10 Ways to Keep Your Body Hydrated this Summer

Summer will be here before you know it, and while you're no doubt looking forward to spending some time in the sun, your skin may not be. The high temperatures and dry air can wreak havoc on your skin, not to mention the rest of your body. This means it's crucial for you to ensure your body is receiving plenty of hydration, both inside and out, to moisturize thirsty skin and prevent dryness.

Read on to discover 10 good ways to keep your body hydrated and your skin glowing and healthy!

1. Infused Water for Hydrated Skin

When you're trying to hydrate, the first thing you may think of is drinking water, but it can be hard to drink enough water, especially if you're not a fan of the plain variety. If this is the case, try infusing water with fruit for a delicious and healthy way to get your daily hydration fix. You can be creative and combine a variety of fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, oranges and lemons. Add mint, basil or other herbs you like for an added twist, and you'll never go back to plain water again.

2. Fruits and Veggies

Another tasty way to ensure you're getting enough water in your diet is to eat plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables. Watermelons, cucumbers, lettuce and citrus fruits contain large amounts of H20 to quench your thirst. Additionally, they contain the vitamins and minerals your skin needs to keep a healthy glow. However, if it's at all possible, you should purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. The less transport time the produce undergoes, the less water loss it will have suffered and the more nutrients it will have.

3. Herbal Teas

Teas are another healthful alternative to water, that count toward your daily hydration. Herbal teas especially have many benefits, as some of them contain antioxidants and many contain nutritive properties that can help with a variety of issues, from stress to digestive pain. Herbal teas can also help hydrate your skin and relax your mind and body at the same time.

4. Soups

You probably don't think about soup as a vehicle for hydration, but eating it is a great way to get more water into your system. If hot soup sounds unappealing during the summer months, try a gazpacho or other cold soup to cool off and hydrate simultaneously.

5. Try a New Type of Salt

Did you know that the kind of salt you use has an impact on your hydration levels? Table salt is especially high in sodium, while higher-quality salts like sea salt are lower in sodium and don't tend to be as dehydrating. Switch to sea salt when cooking, and you can prevent dehydration and skin dryness. You'll also be taking in all the healthy minerals that sea salt offers.

6. Steer Clear of Caffeine

Bad news for coffee lovers -- caffeine is a diuretic, so it can dry you out. During the summer months, your body needs to retain water to stay hydrated, so avoiding or lessening caffeine intake is a must to keep up your water levels.

7. Conscientious Cleansing

The type of soap you use on your skin deeply impacts your skin's moisture content. Harsh soaps with heavy fragrances dry out the skin and can even cause it to itch and flake. Part of maintaining good hydration is being conscientious about what type of cleanser you're using. Try AHAVA Moisturizing Salt Soap with Dead Sea salt minerals that moisturize and help maintain your skin's pH level. The minerals within actually help improve your skin's moisture level. Besides, it's always a treat to create your very own at-home Dead Sea spa!

8. Hydrating Creams

A good moisturizer not only helps repair your dry skin, but also prevents further dryness and keeps the skin soft and smooth. This makes it a must-have when it comes to keeping up your hydration regimen. AHAVA Essential Day Moisturizer is an ideal all-around facial moisturizer to protect against dryness. Don't forget the rest of your body, for an uplifting, sea-inspired getaway, try -- AHAVA Sea-Kissed Mineral Body Lotion, which is great for restoring and refreshing those other dry areas.

9. Sun Protection

Chances are you're planning on spending a good deal of time outside this summer enjoying the sun, but in doing so, you'll also be exposed to some intense UV rays. One of the best ways to protect your skin from becoming overly dry is by applying sunscreen. Apply AHAVA Essential Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 20 for a layer of sun protection in addition to deep moisturizing with botanical extracts and minerals.

10. Take Your Vitamins (and Dead Sea Minerals)

Vitamins and minerals play a big part in your skin's moisture levels, so if your body is vitamin-depleted, your skin will be dry and depleted, too. You may even consider upping your supplement intake by adding fish oil capsules to your daily routine, as they contain omega-3 fatty acids that are especially beneficial for moisturizing skin. Mineral-rich hand lotions and face moisturizers will help quench your skin's thirst.

There are many factors that can influence your body's moisture levels, but by taking these steps, you can enjoy the summer without stressing about your skin becoming dry or damaged. Keep calm and hydrate on!